Te Ohu Pūniho Ora O Aotearoa NZOHA Conference 2025
Masterclasses: Thursday 26th June
Conference: Friday 27th and Saturday 28th June 2025
Where: Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Early bird rate (available until 20th April 2025) - $599
Standard member rate (from 21st April - 16th June 2025) - $749
Students rate - $360
Non members rate - $1099
(Membership rates apply for DHAA and ADOHTA members - please contact us at contact@nzoha.org.nz)
Our 2025 conference will deliver cutting-edge insights, featuring renowned national and international speakers from across diverse professions.
We are also introducing a day of masterclasses on Thursday 26th June, which will be limited spaces.
The NZOHA conference is the perfect opportunity to network, exchange knowledge and speak with industry experts during the trade expo.
For Sponsorship and Exhibitor enquiries please contact Britta van Uden - britta@mtanz.org.nz / +64 21 122 6870
Win 2 nights accommodation
Early bird tickets are available until 20th April, PLUS if you purchase your conference ticket at the early bird rate (including those who have already purchased tickets) you will go in the draw to win two nights accommodation at the Crowne Plaza Christchurch during conference *
* Terms and Conditions
Two nights of accommodation are only available on either Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June, or Friday 27th and Saturday 28th June.
In order to be in the draw you need to purchase your 2025 conference ticket at the early bird rate by at 5pm Sunday 20th April. The winner will be contacted by Wednesday 23rd April.
The winner must be attending the NZOHA 2025 Conference.
Non transferable and cannot be exchanged for money.
Image is not the exact room the winner will stay in.
THE AGENDA
Masterclasses Agenda
Masterclasses have a capacity of 20 people and will only be available for conference attendees.
Thursday 26th June
10.00am - 1.00pm - Posterior Restorations a Predictable Approach - Paulette Smith
10.00am - 1.00pm - Advanced Techniques in Treating Periodontal Defects and Furcation Lesions - Tabitha Acret
10.00am -1.00pm - LA Tips and Techinque
12.30pm - 3.00pm - Ergonomics and Instrument Sharpening - Sharon Boutell
2.00pm - 5.00pm - Posterior Restorations a Predictable Approach - Paulette Smith
2.00pm - 5.00pm - Advanced Techniques in Treating Periodontal Defects and Furcation Lesions - Tabitha Acret
2.00pm - 5.00pm - LA Tips and Techinque
4.00pm - 5.30pm - Bright Smiles, Bright Future - Dr Katherine Kaczmarczyk
4.00pm - 6.30pm - Conference Registration Opens
Conference Agenda
Friday 27th June
7.45am - Registration Open
8.30am - Welcome - Launching NZOHA New Member Benefit
8.45am - The Importance of Sleep, Preventing Burnout - Michael Hempseed, Honours Degree in Psychology
9.45am - Morning Tea
10.15am - Teeth For Life “ From First Tooth to Golden Smiles” - Paulette Smith DT
11.15am - Dr Mo Al-Dujaili, BDS Otago,DClinDent,MRACDS-Orth,MOrthRCSEd
12.15pm - Lunch
1.15pm - What the Sugar - Dr Rob Beaglehole, BDS Otago,MDPH
2.15pm - Exploring The Science And Art of Teeth Whitening. Dr Katherine Kaczmarczyk, MChD BChD BSc BSc(hons) MFDS FHEA
3.15pm - Afternoon tea
3.45pm - Hormones and The Impact On The Periodontium - Tabitha Acret, Dental Hygienist. BOH, Grad Cert Public Health, MSc Advanced Hygiene
4.45pm - NZOHA Presentations
5.10pm - President's Shout
Saturday 28th June
8:30am - Abstract presentations
9.00am - Perio in Practice - Dr Reena Wadia, Founder & CEO of RW Perio, Perio School & By Dr Reena, Specialist Periodontist London, Author
10.00am - Morning Tea
10.30am -Beyond the Gut: Expanding Probiotic knowledge and applications for Dental Professionals - Stephen Brunton
11.30am - Join The Mobile Dentistry Movement - Shida Taheri, BOH in Dental Hygiene NSW, Co-Director of Mobile Dental Providers & Jacquie Biggar, Oral Health Therapist, Academic, Sydney University, Founder of Senior Dental Care, Co-Director of Mobile Dental Providers
12.30pm - Lunch
1.30pm - Understanding Neurodiversity - Micheal Hempseed, Honours Degree in Psychology
2.30pm - The Power to Inform: The Art of Explanation in Communication - Dr Elizabeth Milford, BDSc (Qld), MBA (MBS)
3.30pm - Afternoon tea
4.00pm - Incorporating Botox into Dentistry - Dr Yvonne Yung, BDS Otago,FICCDE
4.45pm - Closing
SPEAKERS
We are excited to present the following speakers
Dr Reena Wadia
BDS Hons (Lond) MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent (Perio) MPerio RCS (Edin) FHEA
Perio in Practice
Periodontal disease remains one of the most prevalent yet often underestimated conditions in dentistry. With evolving guidelines, increasing medicolegal scrutiny, and stronger links between gum health and systemic health, staying ahead is no longer optional - it’s essential. Join Dr Reena Wadia, leading gum specialist, for a high-energy session designed to transform the way you approach periodontics in daily practice. This whistlestop tour will cover the full perio patient journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to achieving predictable non-surgical outcomes. Expect real-world tips and tricks to improve patient compliance, enhance clinical results, and streamline perio management in your practice. We’ll also dive into some of the hottest topics in periodontology, including:
✔ The latest perio classification - what you really need to know
✔ Key strategies for driving patient motivation and long-term adherence
✔ Predictable techniques for non-surgical therapy that actually work This session will leave you with practical insights to implement immediately.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your perio game and future-proof your practice!
Dr Mo Al- Dujaili
BDS Otago, DClinDent,MRACDS-Orth,MOrthRCSEd
Developmental Abnormalities
Dr Rob Beaglehole
BDS Otago,MDPH
What The Sugar
As a battle hardened advocate Rob will discuss why sugar is the new tobacco. From his professional experience as a clinical dentist and public health advocate he will be sharing advocacy techniques that can be utilised to tackle the sugar industry. He will also highlight the urgent need for all oral health professionals to engage with leaders to enact policies that improve both oral and general health.
Michael Hempseed
Honours Degree in Psychology
Importance Of Sleep, Preventing Burnout
Understanding Neurodiversity Everyone’s brain is unique and many brains function, in quite similar ways meaning they are neurotypical. However, around 20% of the population, have ‘neurodiverse brains,’ meaning their brains function differently. Common neurodiverse conditions include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and many more. This talk will help you to understand both the strengths and challenges of neurodiverse people. -What are autism, ADHD, head injuries and dyslexia? -What are some of the most effective ways you can help someone with neurodiversity to feel safe and calm? -What are sensory issues and how can you help someone who may have them? The Importance of Sleep and Preventing Burnout When we think about the pillars of health, we often think about eating well and exercising. Scientists are discovering good sleep may be twice as important as those things. -Why is good sleep so important to well-being? - What is burnout and how does it affect someone? -Why is there a strong link between poor sleep and suicide? What can you do to ensure you get good sleep that will help you to wake up feeling energised?
Dr Yvonne Yung
BDS Otago,FICCDE
Dr Elizabeth Milford
BDSc (Qld), MBA (MBS)
The Power to Inform: The Art of Explanation in Communication
Patients attend with their own history and ideas. Lately though, these ideas are becoming increasingly diverse. This presentation looks at thosesocial changes, and how to respond to them on an individual level to enable patient-centred care. Through an understanding of behaviour change interventions, participants will learn the skills required to influence patients towards great oral health outcomes.
Tabitha Acret
Dental Hygienist. BOH, Grad Cert Public Health, MSc Advanced Hygiene
Dental Implant Maintenance – Bridging Research, Practice, and Guidelines
This lecture will delve into the critical topic of dental implant maintenance, exploring how current practices align with established guidelines and the latest original research. With the increasing prevalence of dental implants as a preferred solution for tooth replacement, ensuring their longevity and success through proper maintenance has become a cornerstone of modern dentistry.
Key Topics to Be Covered:
Overview of Dental Implant Maintenance: Importance of maintaining peri-implant health. Common challenges, including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.
Current Practices in Implant Maintenance: Examination of professional protocols, such as regular plaque and calculus removal, occlusal adjustments, and patient education on oral hygiene. Discussion of tools and techniques, including the use of plastic-tipped ultrasonic scalers, air polishing with glycine powder, and interdental brushes.
Original Research Insights: Review of recent studies highlighting the effectiveness of various maintenance strategies. Analysis of risk factors for implant complications, such as smoking, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene, and their implications for maintenance protocols.
Comparison with Current Guidelines: Evaluation of how current practices measure up to guidelines set by organizations like the American Academy of Periodontology and the World Health Organization. Discussion on the frequency of maintenance visits, diagnostic tools, and the role of personalized care plans.
Future Directions: Emerging technologies and innovations in implant maintenance. The role of continuing education in equipping dental professionals with the latest knowledge and skills.
This lecture aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of dental implant maintenance, emphasizing evidence-based practices and their alignment with current guidelines.
By bridging the gap between research and clinical application, this session will empower dental professionals to optimize patient outcomes and ensure the long-term success of dental implants.
Dr Katherine Kaczmarczyk
MChD BChD BSc BSc(hons) MFDS FHEA
Bright Futures Bright Smiles sponsored by Colgate
Join Dr Kat in exploring the science and art of teeth whitening. This presentation will cover the fundamental mechanisms behind effective teeth whitening and considerations for successful case selection. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of how different whitening agents achieve their effects, and will explore different methods of application, including Colgate's latest innovations in whitening. Participants will leave equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical strategies for optimising whitening outcomes. Key Learning Outcomes: Explore whitening fundamentals: Gain a thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind teeth whitening and how different whitening agents achieve their effects. Differentiate between whitening agents: Learn about the differences between hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid). Considerations in case selection: Identify the essential considerations and best practices for selecting appropriate cases and ensuring effective tailored whitening treatment. And Delivering our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Masterclass
Stephen Brunton
Professional Development Lead, BioGaia
Beyond the Gut: Expanding Probiotic knowledge and applications for Dental Professionals sponsored by BioGaia
This educational session explores the expanding role of probiotics beyond gut health, focusing on emerging applications in oral care. Dental Professionals will learn about the latest research, patient counseling strategies, and practical applications to enhance their clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Key Learning Objectives would include:
- Understand the latest research on probiotics in the area of oral care
- Identify and recommend appropriate probiotic strains for various patient needs
- Integrate evidence-based probiotic recommendations into routine dental practice
- Evaluate the safety, efficacy, and quality of probiotic products for diverse patient populations.
Paulette Smith
DT
Teeth For Life “ From First Tooth to Golden Smiles” sponsored by GC
Teeth For Life “ From First Tooth to Golden Smiles” "Teeth for life"; embodies a commitment to proactive lifelong dental care and patient well being. Aiming not only for beautiful and functional smiles but also for the prevention of dental problems that could compromise overall health and well-being. Disease progression evolves in stages throughout life, this lecture will offer insights into preventive and direct restorative approaches that align with the “Teeth For Life” concept. Emphasising the importance of implementing appropriate preventive strategies to avert and manage the progression of disease along with restoring teeth with a conservative approach in order to maximise longevity.
Jacquie Biggar
Oral Health Therapist, Academic, Sydney University, Founder of Senior Dental Care, Co-Director of Mobile Dental Providers
Join the mobile dentistry movement sponsored by NSK
Mobile dentistry is transforming oral health care, delivering essential services to those unable to access traditional clinics. This lecture explores the incredible opportunities to serve priority populations—while expanding your practice and enhancing job satisfaction. Discover innovative business models, from preventative care to full-service solutions, and the critical role of referral pathways in comprehensive care. Learn how mobile dentistry offers a unique chance to diversify your career, meet community needs, and make a lasting impact.
Join us to explore this rewarding and rapidly evolving field!
Shida Taheri
BOH in Dental Hygiene NSW, Co-Director of Mobile Dental Providers
Join The Mobile Dentistry Movement sponsored by NSK
Mobile dentistry is transforming oral health care, delivering essential services to those unable to access traditional clinics. This lecture explores the incredible opportunities to serve priority populations—while expanding your practice and enhancing job satisfaction. Discover innovative business models, from preventative care to full-service solutions, and the critical role of referral pathways in comprehensive care. Learn how mobile dentistry offers a unique chance to diversify your career, meet community needs, and make a lasting impact.
Join us to explore this rewarding and rapidly evolving field!
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Oral Presentation & Poster
The conference committee is now calling for abstracts for oral presentations (15 minutes) and poster presentations. Practitioners, researchers, and students are encouraged to share their research outputs related to oral health. Research with preliminary findings is accepted for consideration.
Presentation Instructions
Oral presentations:
The presentation is for 15 minutes.
The presentation slide must be in Microsoft PowerPoint.
The presentation slide must be submitted by the deadline (June 23, 2025).
The presentation should target the conference audience.
Poster Presentations:
The poster size must be 36 inches x 48 inches (colour, portrait orientation).
The presenter should print and bring it for display.
The conference committee will NOT print them for quality assurance issues.
Abstract Guidelines
Title:
The title should be informative and contain the major keywords.
Authors & Affiliations: Authors' Full names should be listed with affiliations.
Body: The body of the abstract should be no more than 250 words. This should be a summary of the research to be presented. Subheadings can be used.
Other Information
The conference committee offers support to presenters preparing for successful oral presentations by organising an online practice session with a panel.
After the session, feedback will be provided to help tailor the presentations to better suit the audience.
This support is available as an option when submitting presentation proposals.
Important Dates and Deadlines:
January 13, 2025 – Abstract submission opens
May 18, 2025 (11.59 pm NZT) – Abstract submission closes
May 30, 2025 – Outcome notifications to presenters (can be earlier)
June 8, 2025 – Presenter registration deadline
June 23, 2025 – Presentation slide deadline (only presentations only)
Terms and Conditions:
All co-authors should consent for the research to be presented.
All presenters (oral presentations and poster presentations) must attend the conference physically. The presenter does not have to be the primary researcher.
For oral presentations, up to two presenters are allowed.
One person can only be a presenter for one oral presentation. But they can be co-authors for multiple oral presentations.
There is no limitation on poster presentations.
If the abstract is accepted, the executive committee has permission to share the abstract or its parts in printed and/or electronic formats.
Failure to register by the deadline will result in automatic withdrawal from presenting.
For any questions regarding the process, please contact engagement@nzoha.org.nz.
SPONSORS
Thank you to our event sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Speaker & Masterclass Sponsor
Masterclass Sponsor
Speaker Sponsor
Workshop Sponsor
Seat Drop Sponsor
New Zealand Oral Health Practitioner Awards 2025
NZOHA wishes to honor oral health practitioners who demonstrate a strong dedication to oral health care. We want to acknowledge our members who are exceeding expectations and setting higher standards for our respective professions. While our members may be modest and not seek recognition, these awards are essential in ensuring that the wider oral health community and health sector recognize the valuable work of our professions.
Do you know someone who is a trailblazer in your field? Or is it you? Are you an outstanding oral health practitioner? Are you a shining light guiding future professionals? Do you go above and beyond what is required of ‘just your job’?
Nominations open early 2025
Award categories
Dental Therapist of the Year
Oral Health Therapist of the Year
Dental Hygienist of the Year
Hon. Dame Annette King Award for Excellence in Leadership and Oral Health
NZOHA People’s Choice Award
